A headteacher has warned both teachers and parents that drugs are a bigger problem in Colchester than ever before.
Alan Whelan, who is in charge of St Benedict's College, in Norman Way, Colchester, said he would not rule out random drugs tests like those in place at Colne Community School, Brightlingsea.
Another option was to allow police sniffer dogs on to the college's premises to hunt out illegal drugs.
The headteacher said although St Benedict's did not have a problem with drugs, it could not "turn a blind eye to the situation".
He said: "The message we are getting from drugs workers is that drugs are now cheaper and therefore more young people are being tempted as the opportunity is there.
"There is great disquiet among parents and teachers about the increase in the obvious presence of people with drugs on the streets every evening in Colchester."
The age of youngsters taking "recreational drugs" is getting younger due to the amount of pocket money they receive and the fact drugs can easily be bought out of this without parents' suspicions being raised, Mr Whelan claimed.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, November 15, 2005
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